When you are living in or visiting Utrecht, one thing you will quickly realise is how much the city values food experiences. And in this melting pot of tastes, Indian veg cuisine holds a special place at the table.
Vegetarians here who want authentic Indian flavours should explore Beetroot Kola Urundai, Vegetarian Thali and Mini Sambar Idly. These delectable dishes are nourishing and heartwarming.
If your taste buds are curious to know more, the journey through the best vegetarian food is just getting started. So, keep reading!
Must-Try Vegetarian Indian Cuisine In Utrecht
Milagu Rasam
Milagu Rasam is a dish that feels like a warm hug after a tiring day. This South Indian pepper soup has a sharp, peppery kick balanced with the tang of tamarind and the earthy notes of cumin.
For anyone in Utrecht braving chilly winds or drizzles, a bowl of rasam is almost medicinal. It clears your sinuses, comforts your throat and leaves you feeling refreshed.
If you are used to Western soups being thick and creamy, rasam will feel like a refreshing surprise that is spicy, thin, but with layers that unfold on your palate.
Beetroot Kola Urundai
In India, meatballs are common, but in Tamil Nadu, a vegetarian twist known as Beetroot Kola Urundai has won hearts for decades. These crispy beetroot dumplings are packed with lentils, curry leaves and spices, making them both colourful and addictive.
When served hot, they are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, releasing a slightly sweet yet spiced flavour. It is perfect for those who might think vegetarian food is bland. Let us tell you, it is anything but.
Pair it with a mint chutney and you will find yourself coming back for more. It works wonders at gatherings because it is finger food with flair, just pop them straight from the plate to your mouth.
Paneer Ghee Roast
Paneer, referred to as Indian cottage cheese, has numerous variations across India, but Paneer Ghee Roast has a culinary signature. Originating from Mangalore, this dish is all about indulgence.
Cubes of paneer are cooked in clarified butter (ghee) with a fiery spice paste made from red chillies, tamarind and garlic. It is not shy of flavour. It is smoky, tangy, buttery and spicy all at once.
The lip-smacking dish satisfies the craving for something luxurious without being meat-based. It is one of those curries that sneaks into your weekly routine before you even realise it.
Tandoori Ananas
You may have eaten pineapple raw, in fruit salads or even on pizzas, but Indian cuisine takes it to new heights with Tandoori Ananas. Here, pineapple slices are marinated with select spices before being charred in a clay oven.
This dish is a refreshing starter. It is not too heavy, yet it has enough punch to wake up your taste buds. If you are someone who enjoys a balance of sweet and savoury, Tandoori Ananans will quickly become your favourite.
It is also proof that vegetarian dishes can be playful and adventurous without trying too hard.
Manathakkali Vathal
This dish may sound unusual if you have never encountered it before, but Manathakkali Vathal is a dried berry preparation that South Indian households swear by.
Cooked in tamarind gravy with spices, it provides a unique note of bitter, tangy and spicy flavours. In Utrecht, where many restaurants focus on popular North Indian dishes, stumbling upon this gem feels like finding a hidden treasure.
Pair it with plain rice and you will understand why families in Tamil Nadu consider it comfort food. It is a reminder of grandmother’s kitchen, where every bite carried both health and heritage.
Malai Kofta
If you are looking for a dish that feels like a festival on a plate, Malai Kofta is your answer. Soft dumplings made from mashed vegetables and paneer are dunked in a creamy tomato-based gravy. This scrumptious dish is rich and satisfying.
It complements well with Naan or Rice and stands tall among the most loved North Indian dishes. The balance of creaminess with spices makes it approachable even for those new to Indian food.
Malai kofta is honestly the vegetarian equivalent of a royal treat. It is indulgent, no doubt and that is what makes it worth ordering again and again.
Bagara Baingan
Eggplant often divides people, you either love it or avoid it. But Bagara Baingan has the power to change minds. It will definitely astonish sceptics and convert them into lifelong fans.
A Hyderabadi speciality, it features small eggplants cooked in a peanut, sesame and coconut gravy. And, the result is a delicious dish that is smoky, nutty and absolutely flavorful.
The texture of the eggplants, soft enough to melt but not fall apart, is key. In Utrecht, where Mediterranean eggplant dishes are more common, this Indian dish will capture your taste buds.
Vegetarian Thali
Sometimes, instead of ordering one dish, you crave a bit of everything. And, you can do so by ordering a Vegetarian Thali. Served on a large platter, it includes rice, breads, curries, dal, pickles, dessert and more.
Each bowl in the thali tells a different story, from spicy to tangy, mild to rich. It is the best option for anyone new to Indian food because it lets you taste multiple flavours without committing to a single dish.
It is also incredibly satisfying because you get a balance of grains, proteins, vegetables and even something sweet to finish.
Kaikari Biryani
Biryani is usually known as a meat-based dish, but Kaikari Biryani shows that vegetables can carry the weight just as beautifully.
Made with fragrant basmati rice and a medley of vegetables, this mouthwatering meal is layered with spices that release their aroma with every bite.
It is the dish that brings fulfillment on a regular day, but also feels festive enough for a special occasion. In short, it will have you hooked forever.
Mysore Masala Dosa
A dosa is South India’s culinary gift to the world and the Mysore Masala Dosa is one of its finest forms. It is a thin, crispy crepe made from fermented rice and lentil batter, stuffed with spiced potato filling and smeared with a fiery chutney.
Eating one is an experience in itself. The crisp edges crackle as you tear into it and the flavours hit you in waves. First savoury, then spicy and finally mellow with the soft potato filling.
So, if you spot Mysore Masala Dosa on the menu, do not think twice! Just order it and thank yourself later.
Mini Sambar Idly
Idlis are soft, steamed rice cakes, but when served as mini versions dunked in hot sambar (lentil stew), they turn into a dish you cannot stop eating. Each mouthful is comforting and lightly spiced.
This is a brilliant breakfast or evening snack option. It is not greasy, it is filling and it feels homely. Especially on cold mornings, a plate of Mini Sambar Idlis can lift your spirits and soothe your soul.
It is a favourite among children because of its bite-sized appeal. Adults, on the other hand, love it for the nostalgia it brings, of home kitchens and lazy weekend breakfasts.
Veg Kothu Parotta
Originating from the bustling streets of Tamil Nadu, Veg Kothu Parotta has a charm that is both rustic and irresistible. The parotta, a flaky, layered flatbread, is shredded into thin strips and stir-fried with a colourful mix of vegetables and spices.
The aroma alone is enough to draw you in. In its simplicity, it carries the soul of Indian street food, a dish meant to be shared with friends and enjoyed with laughter.
And, this flavoursome dish is great for a casual dinner or a weekend treat, something that leaves you full in more ways than one.
Naan
When you think of Indian bread, Naan probably comes to mind first. It deserves a mention because it completes so many meals.
Soft, fluffy and slightly charred in places, Naan is a must-try bread.
Garlic naan, butter naan or plain naan, you really cannot go wrong. It has a subtle smoky flavour that complements rich gravies wonderfully.
Simply tear it with your hands, savour the way it soaks up sauces and leave nothing behind but the happiness of relishing the good food.
And, if your mouth is watering already, you do not have to look far. The Madras Diaries in Utrecht serves all these lip-smacking dishes and more with an authentic touch.
Take your palate on a trip to India and enjoy a plate full of passion, spice and delicious taste!
